Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad Recipe

If you crave a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, textures, and a bit of a spicy kick, then the Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad will quickly become one of your go-to meals. This bowl perfectly balances tender, garlicky chicken tossed in fragrant spices with the creamy smoothness of hummus and the refreshing crunch of cucumber salad. It’s a heartwarming meal that looks as delightful as it tastes, bringing a little sunshine to your table any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is a star in its own right, adding taste, texture, and even color to the bowl. From the smoky, spicy notes in the chicken to the cooling cucumber salad and creamy hummus, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a satisfying meal.

• Chicken breast (1 lb / 450 g): Choose fresh, boneless chicken for the best texture and quick cooking time.
• Olive oil (3 tbsp total): Used for marinating and salad dressing, bringing richness and helping to lock in flavor.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds that unmistakable punch of garlicky goodness throughout the chicken.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Gives the chicken a gentle smoky aroma and a rich red hue.
• Chili flakes (1 tsp): Adds the perfect level of heat—feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Ground cumin (½ tsp): Contributes warm earthiness that deepens the spice profile.
• Ground coriander (½ tsp): Offers a subtle citrus undertone to balance the spices.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential basics to enhance every flavor component.
• Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens the chicken and salad with fresh acidity.
• Cucumber (2 cups diced): Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast in the salad.
• Fresh parsley or dill (chopped): Adds fresh herbaceous notes to the cucumber salad.
• Cooked grains (1½ cups rice, quinoa, or bulgur): The comforting base that soaks up every delicious element.
• Hummus (1 cup): Creamy and rich, the hummus brings a luscious smoothness to balance the spices.
• Cherry tomatoes (optional): For a pop of juicy sweetness and color in your bowl.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and the juice of half a lemon. Letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes allows those vibrant spices to penetrate the chicken perfectly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook it for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with a slight crispiness on the edges. That crisp char adds a wonderful texture contrast in the bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Cucumber Salad

While the chicken cooks, toss diced cucumber with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley or dill. This simple salad is your fresh, cool counterpoint, brilliantly complementing the warm, spicy chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide your choice of cooked grains—be it rice, quinoa, or bulgur—among your bowls as a hearty base. Add a generous scoop of creamy hummus, then top with the spicy garlic chicken. Finish with a spoonful of the refreshing cucumber salad on the side for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Serve the Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad

If you like, add a handful of cherry tomatoes for sweetness and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Serve the bowls warm with extra hummus or lemon wedges on the side to brighten things up even more.

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving for a pop of green and a fresh herbal aroma. A squeeze of extra lemon juice or a dash of chili flakes on top can also personalize each bowl to your liking.

Side Dishes

While this dish stands perfectly alone, pairing it with warm pita bread or a light lentil soup can make the meal even heartier. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon would also complement the bright, spicy flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this bowl on a platter family-style where everyone can build their own. Or use colorful bowls or plates to showcase the vibrant ingredients. Layer the hummus first, then grains, chicken, and salad neatly for a restaurant-worthy presentation you’ll be proud of.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, hummus, cucumber salad, and grains separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate helps maintain their textures and flavors.

Freezing

The cooked spicy garlic chicken freezes well for up to a month. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the cucumber salad and hummus as their textures can become watery or grainy.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve crisp edges, or microwave briefly until warm. Reheat grains similarly or in the microwave. Add cucumber salad and hummus fresh after reheating to keep their freshness intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and richness, which works beautifully with the spices. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can easily swap chicken for roasted chickpeas or spiced tofu and keep the hummus and cucumber salad as is, creating a delicious vegan-friendly bowl.

What grains work best for this bowl?

Rice, quinoa, and bulgur all bring different textures; rice is soft and familiar, quinoa adds nuttiness, and bulgur offers a chewy texture. Pick your favorite or even mix them for variety.

How spicy is the Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad?

The chili flakes give it a pleasant kick without overwhelming heat, but you can always scale the spice up or down to suit your taste by adjusting the chili flakes amount.

Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare components in advance and assemble the bowl just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant. This makes a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad is a flavorful celebration in every bite—balanced, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try soon because sharing it with family and friends always leads to happy smiles and second helpings. Warm, nourishing, and bursting with character, it’s a dish that turns any ordinary day into something special.

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